Deck 15: Neurocognitive Disorders

Question 1

Samantha is in Grade 6 and has difficulty in school.She pays attention and works hard but appears to have trouble remembering facts and concepts that she has read about.An assessment of Samantha's learning disorder could involve administering intelligence and achievement tests.In which scenario would Samantha most likely be diagnosed as having a reading learning disorder?

A)if her intelligence test scores were significantly higher than her school grades in reading
B)if she scored one standard deviation above average on an intelligence test but one standard deviation below average on an achievement test tapping reading skills
C)if her scores on a reading test were significantly lower than her scores on a mathematics test
D)if her scores on both kinds of tests were significantly higher than her school grades

Answer 1

if she scored one standard deviation above average on an intelligence test but one standard deviation below average on an achievement test tapping reading skills

Question 2

There is strong evidence to suggest that methylphenidate (Ritalin) inhibits which gene to increase the amount of dopamine available?

A)dopamine D4 receptor gene
B)dopamine transporter gene DAT1
C)dopamine D5 receptor gene
D)dopamine transporter gene DAT4

Answer 2

dopamine transporter gene DAT1

Question 3

Mario has an IQ score of 30.How would he therefore be classified?

A)as having mild intellectual disability
B)as having moderate intellectual disability
C)as having severe intellectual disability
D)as having profound intellectual disability

Answer 3

as having severe intellectual disability

Question 4

The DSM-5 category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes the disorders from which group of disorders from the DSM-IV-R?

A)pervasive developmental disorders
B)conduct disorders
C)social functioning disorders
D)language processing disorders

Question 5

How does the DSM-5 define intellectual disability?

A)significantly below-average intellectual and adaptive functioning
B)significantly below-average intellectual ability
C)significant impairment in self-care abilities
D)low IQ

Question 6

Rod and Todd are identical twins.Rod has a reading disorder, what is probability that Todd also has a reading disorder?

A)about 30 percent
B)about 40 percent
C)about 60 percent
D)about 100 percent

Question 7

Treatment for autism is most similar to the treatment for which of the following?

A)learning disorders
B)attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
C)intellectual disability
D)personality disorders

Question 8

What is known regarding the role genetics plays in influencing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

A)There appears to be multiple genetic influences.
B)There are no known genetic influences.
C)There appears to be a single gene of influence.
D)Defects on the Y chromosome are the major influence.

Question 9

Fragile X syndrome is caused by an abnormality on the X chromosome.Which of the following groups does it affect?

A)only females
B)only males
C)males and females
D)primarily males but female carriers may display disabilities also

Question 10

Generally speaking, what should the treatment for a child with autism spectrum disorder involve?

A)behavioural therapy, home schooling, and a focus on developing as much independence as possible
B)cognitive therapy, school-based education, and a focus on developing as much independence as possible
C)behavioural therapy, school-based education, and a focus on developing as much independence as possible
D)behavioural therapy and a focus on provisions for long-term custodial care

Question 11

What is the current research position regarding the technology of gene therapy for intellectual disabilities?

A)It is a viable treatment for only a small number of cases.
B)It is a potentially effective treatment, but the risks must be evaluated carefully.
C)It is considered unethical.
D)It is in the research stage only.

Question 12

In a group of 100 children, how many will see an improvement in symptoms by taking medications?

A)60
B)70
C)80
D)90

Question 13

The risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder is approximately 0.0002 to 0.0005 percent for the general population.For parents who already have a child with autism spectrum disorder, what is their risk of having another child with autism spectrum disorder?

A)1 percent
B)5 percent
C)10percent
D)20 percent

Question 14

It was once thought that "echolalia" was a sign of autism.What is the current belief about echolalia?

A)Echolalia is a symptom of expressive language disorder, which often co-occurs with autism.
B)Echolalia is a sign the child also may have schizophrenia.
C)Echolalia in children with autism spectrum disorder is just a sign of delayed language skills, not a symptom of their disorder.
D)Echolalia is frequently associated with mild intellectual disability.

Question 15

Which term refers to difficulties during labour and delivery that lead to intellectual disabilities?

A)environmental influences
B)postnatal influences
C)prenatal influences
D)perinatal influences

Question 16

What have the results of behavioural treatment targeting the socialization deficits of individuals with autism spectrum disorder shown?

A)some improvement in the quality of socialization but little improvement in the quantity of social contacts
B)some improvement in quantity of socialization but little improvement in the quality of social contacts
C)no improvement
D)substantial improvement in both the quantity and quality of social contacts

Question 17

Which treatment is primarily suggested for learning disorders?

A)biological treatment
B)cognitive-behavioural therapy
C)parenting training
D)educational intervention

Question 18

Scott has an intellectual disability.What would be the best form of treatment for him?

A)a cognitive approach to self-care activities
B)interpersonal therapy
C)medication
D)a behavioural approach to skills training

Question 19

What is the prognosis for living independently if a person has been diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability?

A)No form of help will allow the person to live independently.
B)It is difficult to state because there are so many variables given a mild intellectual diagnosis.
C)If the person had good education, he or she is likely to live independently but may still require minimal supervision.
D)He or she will be able to live independently without requiring support.

Question 20

In terms of the level of support that will be necessary for a child with autism spectrum disorder, what factor is used as a predictor to determine the prognosis?

A)severity of initial symptoms
B)rate of symptom progression
C)IQ
D)age of onset

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT listed as a "pervasive developmental disorder" in the DSM-5's autism spectrum disorder?

A)Rett disorder
B)Asperger's disorder
C)childhood disintegrative disorder
D)social (pragmatic) communication disorder

Question 22

What is the goal of most modern therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder?

A)to immerse children with autism spectrum disorder in intensive therapy for as long as possible before attempting to introduce them into the larger world
B)to have the child with autism spectrum disorder and their family accept the inherent limitations of the disorder
C)to provide a separate, but safe and secure, environment for the individual with autism spectrum disorder
D)to integrate the child with autism spectrum disorder into the community as much as possible

Question 23

Individuals with more severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder often lack social reciprocity and the ability to engage in which of the following?

A)games
B)reciprocal play
C)imaginative play
D)joint attention

Question 24

Jane is a 14-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder.She is currently participating in a behavioural social skills training program for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.What is Jane's most likely outcome?

A)some increase in the quality of her social skills, but little increase in the quantity of socialization
B)no progress at all
C)relatively normal socialization for her age
D)some increase in the quantity of socialization in which she participates, but little improvement in the quality of socialization

Question 25

What is a specific learning disorder?

A)achievement in reading, writing, or math below the level predicted by the individual's age, IQ, and education
B)the existence of a neurological deficit that interferes with the individual's ability to assimilate new information
C)achievement in any academic subject below the level predicted by the individual's age, IQ, and education
D)a substandard IQ score in comparison to the individual's family and educational background

Question 26

What is one rare example of the successful prevention of one form of intellectual disability?

A)to screen all infants for signs of fetal alcohol syndrome
B)to give early behavioural skills training at the first signs of cognitive impairment
C)to ensure that all infants have good nutrition starting from birth
D)to screen all infants at birth for phenylketonuria (PKU)

Question 27

Research by Lovaas (1987) suggests that an important element of intervention efforts with children with autism spectrum disorder is inclusion, such as helping children fully participate in the social and academic life of their peers.What does your textbook also note about inclusion?

A)It is especially important during adolescence.
B)It is not part of most models of early intervention.
C)It is helpful primarily for those with less severe forms of the disorder.
D)It applies not only to school but also to all aspects of life.

Question 28

Why do the diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability include an assessment of adaptive functioning?

A)An IQ score is not a measure of intelligence.
B)An IQ score is not adjusted statistically for people of different ages.
C)An IQ score is an insufficient measure of impairment.
D)An IQ score is culturally biased.

Question 29

What do individuals with intellectual disability show?

A)similar types of deficits, although the degree of deficit varies greatly
B)similar types and degree of deficits
C)varied types and degree of deficits
D)varied types of deficits, although the degree of deficit tends to be quite similar

Question 30

Ian has ADHD.When neurologists image his brain, what are they most likely to find?

A)Ian shows overactivity in the frontal cortex and basal ganglia.
B)Ian's brain is larger than is typical.
C)Ian's brain is smaller than is typical.
D)Ian shows underactivity in the left hemisphere and brain stem.

Question 31

What convincing evidence is there that autism spectrum disorder involves some form of brain damage?

A)Most children with autism spectrum disorder suffered some form of brain trauma at birth.
B)Autism runs in families.
C)A large percentage of people with autism spectrum disorder also have some level of intellectual disability.
D)Autism develops fairly quickly and at a young age.

Question 32

What is the incidence of children being born with Down syndrome to a mother at age 45?

A)1 in 120 births
B)1 in 90 births
C)1 in 60 births
D)1 in 30 births

Question 33

Which term refers to the mutations that may occur in the sperm of fathers or the eggs of the mothers that may influence the development of autism spectrum disorder?

A)X mutations
B)de novo
C)hypsarrhythmia
D)cytomegalovirus

Question 34

According to research by Lovaas (1987), which type of intervention programs have shown improvements in the intellectual and educational functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder?

A)programs that use a group therapy model
B)programs that are school based
C)programs that provide multiple therapists
D)programs that meet one-on-one for 40 hours per week

Question 35

Which term refers to the intense preference for the status quo in individuals with autism spectrum disorder?

A)ritualism
B)maintenance of sameness
C)prosody
D)social reciprocity

Question 36

Stephen has a round face; a broad, flat nose; small, downward-sloping folds of skin at the inside corners of his eyes; a protruding tongue; small, squarish hands; and unusually short arms and legs in relation to his body.He also suffers from heart and respiratory problems.What disorder does Stephen most likely have?

A)phenylketonuria
B)Down syndrome
C)fragile X syndrome
D)Klinefelter's syndrome

Question 37

Ronny is six years old.His behaviour is characterized by inattention, bullying, temper tantrums, stubbornness, and fidgeting.He is easily distracted, fails to finish anything he starts, often acts impulsively, and requires constant supervision.He is constantly on the go, running and climbing on things, and he cannot wait his turn in games or lines.What disorder does Ronny most likely have?

A)oppositional defiant disorder
B)attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
C)conduct disorder
D)obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 38

In the early days of therapy for autism, the psychodynamic approach focused on encouraging ego support.Why is this so?

A)because psychodynamic theorists believed one of the primary causes was physical abnormalities
B)because psychodynamic theorists believed one of the primary causes was improper parenting
C)because psychodynamic theorists believed one of the primary causes was bullying by siblings
D)because psychodynamic theorists believed one of the primary causes was poor or negative bonding

Question 39

Caleb has the restricted pattern of behaviour observed in children with autism spectrum disorder.What does Caleb have trouble with?

A)communication
B)recognition
C)change
D)movement

Question 40

What percentage of people with an intellectual disability fall under the "mild" category?

A)20
B)40
C)70
D)90

Question 41

What is the most accurate way to describe the cause of an intellectual disability?

A)They are caused by either prenatal abnormalities or difficulties in the birth process.
B)Most cases of intellectual disability are caused by strictly biological factors.
C)They are caused by genetics.
D)There are hundreds of known causes.

Question 42

Kathy has deficient writing skills.Her writing is characterized by numerous errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and she has difficulty in composing sentences and paragraphs.Although she is only eight years old, she lags behind her classmates in writing skills.Which disorder does Kathy have?

A)articulation disorder
B)mathematics disorder
C)oral communication disorder
D)disorder of written expression

Question 43

What are the four levels of intellectual disability identified in the DSM-5?

A)mild, moderate, severe, profound
B)educable, trainable, severe, profound
C)slight, moderate, profound, intensive
D)borderline, custodial care, intermittent care, pervasive care

Question 44

Research John Connolly put forth provides evidence for a neurobiological cause of dyslexia.What did his research show?

A)weaker or delayed neural responses when reading in people with dyslexia compared with controls
B)right hemisphere language processing for people with dyslexia, left hemisphere for controls
C)fewer neural connections in the left hemisphere of people with dyslexia compared with controls
D)a 50 percent concordance rate in dyslexia between identical twins

Question 45

What has cross-cultural research indicated about autism spectrum disorder?

A)It is more common in wealthy countries.
B)It is predominantly found in Western cultures and countries.
C)It is predominantly found in North America.
D)It is universal across cultures and countries.

Question 46

Four-year-old Ava has just been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.Her parents ask a specialist how likely it is that Ava will develop speech.What does the specialist tell them?

A)Approximately one out of every ten children with ASD develop speech proficiency.
B)Approximately one out of every four children with ASD develop speech proficiency.
C)Approximately one out of every two children with ASD develop speech proficiency.
D)Approximately three out of every four children with ASD develop speech proficiency.

Question 47

Which of the following is characterized by involuntary motor movements called tics?

A)autistic disorder
B)selective mutism
C)Tourette's disorder
D)coprolalia

Question 48

What is Lesch-Nyhan syndrome?

A)a form of cerebral palsy
B)a viral infection that causes intellectual disability
C)a cluster of symptoms displayed by some individuals with intellectual disability
D)a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability

Question 49

For which disorder has the historical treatment for those suffering from it been described as shameful?

A)depression
B)schizophrenia
C)autism
D)intellectual disability

Question 50

Which intervention strategy is the most effective treatment for reading disorders?

A)the phonology training program
B)the strategy training program
C)the goal-setting program
D)the strategy and phonology program

Question 51

Which neurotransmitter is most often associated with ADHD?

A)serotonin
B)GABA
C)norepinephrine
D)dopamine

Question 52

Johnny is a two-year-old boy who is not motivated to interact with other people.His absence of interest in people may also lead to severe deficits in certain abilities.Which of the following is one such ability?

A)amusing himself
B)thinking
C)communication
D)education

Question 53

Marcus is unresponsive to most social stimuli.He rarely smiles, talks, or makes eye contact with others.He seems indifferent to everyone, including his parents.He engages in solitary, ritualistic behaviours.He sometimes goes into sudden tantrums or panics.He also insists on the same familiar food each day.What condition does Marcus appear to have?

A)childhood schizophrenia
B)autism spectrum disorder
C)impulsivity
D)avoidant disorder

Question 54

Daniel shows hyperactivity but not inattention.What will a psychiatrist say when Daniel is assessed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

A)Symptoms must be present in both symptom clusters.
B)Symptoms must be present in the area of impulsivity.
C)Symptoms must be present in either of the symptom clusters.
D)Symptoms must be present in the hyperactivity cluster.

Question 55

How does attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develop as children grow into adulthood?

A)Manifestations of ADHD tend to change over time, but many problems often persist.
B)Specific symptoms remain relatively stable throughout the life span for most individuals.
C)ADHD tends to evolve into more severe forms of pathology.
D)Children tend to outgrow ADHD.

Question 56

Jack is a 12-year-old boy whose IQ score indicates he is of average intelligence.He loves school and works hard on his homework.Jack has A's in all his subjects except a C in math.Does Jack have a learning disorder and, if so, which one?

A)Jack does not appear to have a learning disorder because his achievement is consistent with expectations based on his intelligence.
B)Jack does not appear to have a learning disorder because he has shown that he can achieve when he wants to.
C)Jack appears to have a math disorder because there is a discrepancy between his intelligence and his achievement in many subjects.
D)Jack appears to have a math disorder because his math grade is so far below his other grades.

Question 57

Monty is a three-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.He appears completely unresponsive to his parents and shows no indication of any language development.Monty seems uninterested in communication of any kind, and he has rituals-such as lining up his toys and realigning them every few minutes.If interrupted, he becomes hysterical.Monty's IQ score was extremely low.Why can we expect his prognosis to be poor?

A)primarily because of his ritualistic behaviour and disinterest in his parents
B)primarily because of his early age of onset and lack of language acquisition
C)primarily because of his low IQ and early age of onset
D)primarily because of his lack of language acquisition and low IQ

Question 58

Tiara is an adolescent with a learning disorder.Tiara may be particularly vulnerable to which of the following?

A)substance use disorders
B)obesity
C)low self-esteem
D)committing sexual assault

Question 59

Researchers have found that children with a specific mutation involving the dopamine system (the DAT1 genotype) were more likely to exhibit the symptoms of ADHD if they were exposed to which of the following during pregnancy?

A)cigarette smoke
B)influenza
C)amphetamines
D)sugar

Question 60

Mrs.Farthington is starting as a principal at a new school with 1000 students.About how many children with ADHD can she expect to be students at her school?

A)10
B)35
C)80
D)100

Question 61

How does an individual diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder present?

A)with both patterns of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity
B)with hyperactive behaviour that alternates with periods of distraction
C)with patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity
D)with periods of distraction that lead to hyperactive/impulsive behaviour

Question 62

When sitting with a parent in front of a favourite toy, young children will typically look back and forth between the parent and toy, smiling, in an attempt to engage the parent with the toy.What would a child with autism spectrum disorder most likely do in this situation?

A)The child would not display this behaviour at all with the parent.
B)The child would engage in this behaviour only after watching another child do so.
C)The child would typically talk to the toy but not to the parent.
D)The child would show little or no interest in the toy.

Question 63

Although psychological disorders are not classified as developmental disorders, why can many-if not most-psychological disorders be considered developmental?

A)because they lack biological causes and are influenced by learning
B)because they have a genetic component
C)because they change over time
D)because they are first diagnosed in childhood

Question 64

Which disorder, which falls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder, is found almost exclusively in females?

A)Asperger's disorder
B)Rett disorder
C)childhood disintegrative disorder
D)autistic disorder

Question 65

Gender differences are apparent in autism.What is the average reported male-to-female estimate?

A)2 to 1
B)3.5 to 1
C)4.5 to 1
D)6 to 1

Question 66

Anne's son Evan has ADHD, but she doesn't want to give him medication.What alternative treatment could Anne choose?

A)brief, inpatient treatment at a specialty hospital
B)individual cognitive-behavioural therapy
C)social-skills training
D)behavioural programs and parent training

Question 67

You know that there are eight boys with ADHD at a given school.How many girls with ADHD would you expect at that same school?

A)1
B)2
C)3
D)4

Question 68

A child diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome using the DSM-IV-R would receive which diagnosis using the DSM-5?

A)pervasive developmental disorder
B)social functioning disorder
C)autism spectrum disorder
D)childhood disintegrative disorder

Question 69

What does research regarding the behaviour of the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder suggest?

A)Autism is the result of cold and aloof parenting.
B)Autism is not the result of parenting behaviours.
C)Autism is the result of a complex interaction of genetics and parenting style.
D)Autism is the result of an overindulgent parenting style.

Question 70

Controversy exists about the use of stimulant medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Which of the following is a concern?

A)the use of medications to control what are essentially problems of parental discipline
B)the potential that they might not work
C)the long-term effects of these drugs on the developing brain
D)stimulant drugs' potential for abuse

Question 71

What did the DSM-5 introduce to accommodate the range of difficulties in the two symptom clusters in autism spectrum disorder?

A)levels of severity
B)additional categories
C)additional specifiers
D)quantitative dimensions for assessment

Question 72

What is the incidence of children being born with Down syndrome to a mother at age 35?

A)1 in 800 births
B)1 in 500 births
C)1 in 300 births
D)1 in 100 births

Question 73

Adil has been diagnosed with ADHD and a second disorder.What is that second disorder most likely to be?

A)autism spectrum disorder
B)conduct disorder
C)learning disorders
D)anorexia

Question 74

Why is accurately identifying a developmental disorder at an early stage so important?

A)It is important so that specific deficits can be addressed before they affect the subsequent development of other skill domains.
B)It is important because family functioning often declines as the disorder progresses and may cause further impairment.
C)It is important because medications are most effective when administered at an early stage of the disorder.
D)It is important because children are more receptive to therapy when they are young.

Question 75

Joe is 24 years old, lives in a rural area, and works as a helper/stockperson in a small local store.Joe's IQ was tested in elementary school and again in high school.His IQ score was about 71 and he did not finish high school.Joe lives in a guesthouse on his parents' farm and, although he spends lots of time with his family, he takes care of himself.Based on this information, what diagnosis should Joe receive?

A)intellectual disability
B)mild intellectual disability
C)no diagnosis
D)borderline intellectual disability

Question 76

What technology has been used to show how social deficits in autism spectrum disorder develop?

A)PET scan
B)eye-tracking
C)fMRI
D)EEG

Question 77

Theo has autism spectrum disorder.Which characteristic does Theo most likely exhibit?

A)a lack of interest in people
B)clumsiness and poor coordination
C)hyperactivity
D)impulsivity

Question 78

Research on the development of ADHD is finding that in many cases, mutations may occur that either create extra copies of a gene or result in the deletion of genes.Which term refers to these mutations?

A)neurochemicals
B)proteins
C)copy number variants
D)endophenotypes

Question 79

Jean is a 14-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder who seems compelled to run around touching each door every time she comes home.Which characteristic of her autism will cause Jean to have a tantrum if she is prevented from touching each door?

A)maintenance of sameness
B)obsessive-compulsive disorder
C)ritualistic behaviour
D)restricted behaviour pattern

Question 80

According to research on the brains of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, which area of the brain may be involved with the disorder?

A)the brain stem
B)the hypothalamus
C)the reticular formation
D)the amygdala